Vinpocetine is a nootropic (from the Greek nous “mind” & trepein “turn”), a substance that improves mental function. It is an alkaloid derived from the flower of the lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor), indigenous in Europe but now a dense, ground-covering plant also found in North America. It is used as a drug in some European countries, prescribed to treat cerebrovascular disorders and age-related mental decline.

Safe and effective, it is a vasodilator, anticonvulsive and anti-inflammatory particular to the brain and central nervous system. Thus, unlike most substances, it is readily able to cross the blood-brain barrier where it has direct neural actions. Vinpocetine affects an enzyme (phosphodiesterase) and reduces calcium levels in the brain, both of which cause the smooth muscle that line blood vessels to constrict. Thus, it relaxes these muscles, allowing the vessels to open which increase blood flow and subsequent oxygen delivery.

With Aging, blood flow can gradually be diminished and Vinpocetine may be effective in alleviating associated cognitive function. Clinical studies have shown that Vinpocetine is effective in promoting cerebrovascular health and climacteric effects in menopausal women, reducing the symptoms associated with hormonal changes.

However, a normal process in aging is the gradual restrictive carry capacity of blood thru the vascular system, whether it be the onset of atherosclerosis or even “spider veins” often found in legs. Therefore, Vinpocetine can act to restore normal function and blood flow.

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Importantly and the reason Vinpocetine was included in this formulation, in healthy individuals, it has been clinically proven to improve cognitive function – memory, attention, motivation and productivity.